Liverpool 'banned' Arsenal from signing player after writing clever clause into his contract

Liverpool once inserted an anti-Arsenal clause into a player’s contract following the 2013 Luis Suarez transfer saga.

Arsenal and Liverpool supporters will, no doubt, remember the summer transfer window of 2013 due to the tug-of-war over the future of Suarez.

At the time, Suarez was one of the best players in the Premier League and attracted the attention of Arsenal, who were managed by Arsene Wenger.

And in July of that year, the London club caused controversy when they lodged a bid of £40million plus £1, to which most people associated with Liverpool took offence – including owner John W Henry, who took to social media to ask, "What do you think they're smoking over there at Emirates?"

This came after an initial £30m bid was turned down by the Reds, a week before the second offer.

A few months later, Wenger said: "It was not the most subtle thing we have ever done," before he added: "We don't smoke."

Luis Suarez in action for Liverpool (Credit:Getty)

Despite the heavy interest, the Uruguayan forward remained at Liverpool until 2014, when he then signed for Barcelona, linking up with Lionel Messi and Neymar to form a formidable trio which was later dubbed ‘MSN’ as they went on to win the 2014/15 Champions League.

Fast forward two years to 2015, and Liverpool had seemingly not forgotten about Arsenal’s pursuit of Suarez.

That summer, Brazilian Roberto Firmino arrived at Anfield from Bundesliga side Hoffenheim for a reported fee of £21.3m and signed a five-year deal.

Like several contracts do, his deal included a release clause, thought to be worth around £83m.

However, according to Football Leaks, relayed by The Times in 2016, it was alleged that it was written into the contract that the release clause did not apply to Arsenal.

Roberto Firmino signed for Liverpool in 2015 (Credit:Getty)

But Firmino, now 33, remained at Liverpool for eight years before signing for Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ahli and was not linked with the Gunners during his time in England.

During his time on Merseyside, the Brazil international registered 111 goals and 76 assists in 362 appearances for the Reds, a period in which the club won six trophies - the Champions League (2019), the UEFA Super Cup (2019), the FIFA Club World Cup (2019), the Premier League (2019-20), the FA Cup (2022), and the League Cup (2022).

Firmino currently plays for Qatar-based Al Sadd.